AIR QUALITY

Hackney's Performance

In common with other central London boroughs, air quality limits are exceeded.   As a deprived area, Hackney probably suffers a greater proportion of illness and premature deaths (GLA, 2010).

Hackney’s Progress Report 2010 reports that benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon  monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide and PM₁₀ levels continue below EU limits but NO₂ breaches them.   London is the least car-dependent city in the UK but has the highest NO­₂ concentrations of European capital cities.

Performance against EU and WHO limits are set out in this table:

Images from LAQN Nowcast and Annual Pollution Maps  follow.  

Levels are described as “low” as the index was created when adverse health effects were thought unlikely at these levels.  Updates are planned to reflect current thinking of no safe levels for some pollutants.

Image: LAQN Nowcast estimated PM10 pollution based on monitoring 28/09/2012

Image:  2008 annual mean NO₂ air pollution  

Overall, the annual mean trend for NO₂ is down but many roadside locations record increased concentrations and many breaches, some more than double the limit, see chart below (LBH, 2011).   Better Archway Forum found similar levels in recent research.

Image: Trends in annual mean NO₂ concentration measured at diffusion tube monitoring sites

The AQAP forecast compliance with NO₂ limits by 2010 but they were not met.  

Actions taken to reduce emissions include establishment of the London-wide low emission zone, upgrading fleet vehicles, roadside testing and encouraging alternative fuels.  Actions to encourage modal shift include the London bus improvements, the East London Line extension/Dalston interchange, the Windus Road Home Zone, parking controls, traffic management, pedestrian and cycling facilities, travel plans and awareness.    Other actions include discouraging private vehicles through land use and transport planning, controlling off-street parking, 3-minute-walk car club (60% in place), improving domestic energy efficiency and controlling construction dust.    The Progress Report 2010has more details.

Air quality management has been incorporated into the Local Development Framework.

The council has indicated it will assess emissions from new biomass combustion plants and retain the Air Quality Management Area for PM₁₀ as well as NO_x.   A new AQAP incorporating climate change and transport objectives will be produced and consulted on in 2013. 

LAQN monitoring showing overall annual performance (to 19/09/2012) breached limits across Central London:   

Nationally, Fixed Penalty Notices for vehicle test and condition offences rose significantly but London police figures are flat:

Overall, Hackney Council has pursued air quality duties diligently but actions have been insufficient.  Urgent Government and London-wide action is necessary to protect health.   Special measures may be needed to protect populations at pollution hotspots.   London Cycling Campaign sees greater scope for action on cycling.  While stakeholders have been consulted, little has been done to raise awareness of impacts on health and actions to improve air quality.

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